Spicy Mississippi Fried Green Tomato BLT

Introduction

This Spicy Mississippi Fried Green Tomato BLT is a perfect mix of crispy bacon, juicy fried green tomatoes, and a spicy mayo that brings everything together. Grilling the bacon on the Arteflame grill results in an irresistible smoky crispiness, while frying the green tomatoes on the flat cooktop ensures a beautifully golden crust. This sandwich is rich in Southern flavors and perfect for any outdoor cookout!

Ingredients

• 6 slices thick-cut bacon
• 2 large green tomatoes, sliced into 1/4-inch thick rounds
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 slices Texas toast or sandwich bread
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 tsp hot sauce
• 1/2 tsp lemon juice
• 4 leaves fresh lettuce
• 1 medium tomato, sliced

Instructions

Step 1: Fire up the Arteflame grill

1. Pour some vegetable oil on three paper napkins and place them in the grill.
2. Stack firewood over the soaked napkins and light them.
3. Let the Arteflame grill heat up for about 20 minutes until the cooktop is evenly hot and ready for grilling.

Step 2: Prepare spicy mayo

1. In a small bowl, mix mayonnaise, hot sauce, and lemon juice.
2. Stir well and set aside for later.

Step 3: Grill the bacon

1. Place the bacon slices on the griddle cooktop near the center for a crispier finish.
2. Cook, flipping occasionally, until the bacon is crispy and golden brown.
3. Remove from the grill and place on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease.

Step 4: Fry the green tomatoes

1. Dip each tomato slice in buttermilk, ensuring it's fully coated.
2. Mix cornmeal, flour, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika in a shallow dish.
3. Dredge buttermilk-coated tomato slices in the cornmeal mixture.
4. Add butter to the hot griddle cooktop.
5. Place coated tomato slices on the griddle, frying for about 2-3 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
6. Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels.

Step 5: Toast the bread

1. Place bread slices on the griddle and toast for about 1 minute per side or until golden brown.

Step 6: Assemble the BLT

1. Spread spicy mayo on one side of each toasted bread slice.
2. Layer lettuce, fresh tomato slices, fried green tomatoes, crispy bacon, and another slice of bread.
3. Slice the sandwich in half and serve hot.

Tips

• Use thick-cut bacon for extra crispiness.
• Adjust the hot sauce in the mayo to your spice preference.
• Keep the green tomatoes warm on the outer edge of the griddle while assembling the sandwich.

Variations

1. Southern Pimento BLT: Add pimento cheese spread to the sandwich for extra richness.
2. Avocado BLT: Add sliced avocado for a creamy texture.
3. Smoky Chipotle BLT: Swap hot sauce for chipotle mayo for a smoky kick.
4. Egg & Bacon BLT: Top with a fried egg cooked on the griddle.
5. BBQ Green Tomato BLT: Drizzle BBQ sauce over the fried green tomatoes for a unique Southern twist.

Best pairings

• Sweet potato fries
• Coleslaw
• Dill pickles
• Southern sweet tea
• Grilled corn on the cob

Conclusion

The Spicy Mississippi Fried Green Tomato BLT is an unforgettable sandwich bursting with bold flavors and perfect textures. Masterfully cooked on the Arteflame grill, this BLT will surely impress family and friends. Serve up this classic with a twist and enjoy the crispy, smoky, and spicy goodness in every bite!